Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:27:18.760><c> uh</c> naaza funds so we combine several uh naaza funds so we combine several uh
• </c> eligible for the low-income having tax eligible for the low-income having tax credit<01:02:43.720
• </c> comments thank you um followed by tax comments thank you um followed by tax Foundation<01:02:56.520
• </c><01:18:47.080><c> other</c> comments um and then several other comments um and then several other
• </c> relating to the low-income housing tax relating to the low-income housing tax credit<01:24:36.000

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 834, which would change restrictions on transfers of real property under chapter 201H, HRS, and was discussed in the context of Hawaiian homelands and HHFDC-funded projects. Supporters, including HHFDC, DHHL, and individual testifiers, said the bill would clarify that Hawaiian homelands should not be subject to the 201H buyback and appreciation restrictions, while preserving affordability requirements tied to federal mortgage and tax credit programs. HHFDC explained that the main concern was the buyback/share-appreciation provisions, especially for DHHL projects using LIHTC or similar financing, and said aligning the statute with DHHL’s program goals would not be a problem. Members questioned whether removing the restrictions could weaken affordability protections, and whether the state could still prioritize beneficiaries and workforce housing, but no vote was taken in the portion provided. The committee then took up SB 759, which would add the DHHL chairperson or designee to the HHFDC board of directors and adjust quorum requirements. DHHL and several supporters argued the measure would give Hawaiian Homes a seat at the table, improve access to HHFDC funding sources such as tax credits, private activity bonds, and revolving funds, and help leverage limited resources to reduce the Hawaiian Homes waitlist. One testifier supported the bill but urged safeguards to prevent favoritism or abuse of power, and another raised concerns about whether a DHHL representative would need to recuse from voting on projects involving DHHL. HHFDC testified that DHHL projects still must compete under the same criteria and set-asides as other applicants, and that the board already includes multiple public and executive representatives. Members pressed on whether DHHL could achieve the same informational goals without a voting seat, and whether the added board role would create leverage or conflicts. The DHHL witness said a nonvoting role could provide information, but a voting seat would be more useful for decision-making and advocacy. The discussion also covered DHHL’s use of LIHTC, rent-to-own models, transitional housing, and other layered financing, as well as the broader need to coordinate state housing resources. The transcript ends during continued questioning, with no final committee action or vote shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• their disability benefits as income when determining eligibility for the disabled veterans property tax
• through the low-income category of the disabled veterans' property tax exemption.
• File item nine, personal income tax law exclusive military retirement pay. Thank you.
• Item 9, Personal Income Tax Law: Exclusive Military Retirement Pay. Oh, that's the one I just did.
• She lives with mobility limitations and severe service-connected mental health conditions.

Summary: The Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee heard several veterans-related bills, beginning as a subcommittee until a quorum was established. SB 888 would exclude VA service-connected disability compensation from household income when determining eligibility for the low-income disabled veterans’ property tax exemption. Support came from veterans organizations, county veterans services officers, and local government representatives; there was no opposition. The bill was moved to Appropriations and later recorded as passing 4-0. SB 1040 would create a state-local matching program for maintenance endowments for veterans’ cemeteries, with the state matching private or local contributions up to $250,000 per cemetery per year. Supporters emphasized the need for sustainable perpetual care funding for state and county cemeteries, and there was no opposition. SB 1407, the chair’s bill, would exempt military retirement pay and surviving spouse benefits from state income tax; supporters argued it would help retain military retirees in California and support the economy, while members noted similar bills had previously stalled in Appropriations. SB 1034 would streamline disabled veteran parking placard eligibility for certain 100% permanent and total veterans, and SB 1201, the No Hungry Heroes Act, would seek federal waivers and related changes to protect vulnerable veterans from CalFresh/SNAP cuts and connect applicants to county veterans service officers. All of these bills received support from veterans groups and related organizations, with no opposition heard. SB 1354 would prohibit out-of-state military personnel not operating under Title 10 from entering California to perform military or law enforcement functions without the governor’s permission, with supporters framing it as a safeguard for state authority and civil liberties. The committee asked about legal testing of the proposal, and the author said it had not yet been tested in court. After roll calls and a brief recess to regain members, the committee recorded 4-0 votes to pass the bills and consent calendar items, and the meeting adjourned after thanking veterans for their service.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><04:04:55.279><c> real</c> tax base whether it's timber tax real tax base whether it's timber tax
• It's a tax. So I compliance payment. It's a tax.
• </c> raising property taxes? raising property taxes?
• tax credits.
• Property taxes taxes taxes &gt;&gt; you<06:10:06.240><c> just</c><06:10:06.320><c> said.

Committee: House Science, Technology and Energy

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, there are several.
• We have several, a fair amount of them.
• It's going to require an expenditure of our tax dollars.
• That's tax increment funding.
• That is property taxes that are essentially reinvested right back into the CRA area.

Committee: Senate Community Affairs

Summary: The Committee on Community Affairs met and considered a series of bills on trust law, homestead property assessments, emergency preparedness, utility service restrictions, Black history museum planning, historic preservation, firefighter benefits, and community redevelopment agencies. Several measures were presented as technical or policy updates, including CS/SB 262 on trust code clarifications, SJR 174 and SB 176 on limiting homestead assessment increases for flood-mitigation elevations, SB 608 renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America in Florida statutes, SB 1002 on utility service restrictions, SB 582 increasing penalties for unlawful demolition of historic buildings, SB 1202 extending health insurance premium benefits to firefighters permanently disabled during training, and SB 1242 phasing out CRAs and restricting new projects. SB 180 on emergency preparedness and response also advanced after a strike-all amendment that added FEMA reimbursement streamlining, mutual aid coordination, and other disaster-response provisions. SB 1128 on building permits for single-family dwellings was amended to clarify local review authority and professional liability protections before passage. The committee heard substantial testimony on SB 466, which implements the Black History Task Force’s recommendation to locate the Florida Museum of Black History in St. Johns County/St. Augustine. Supporters emphasized the area’s civil rights and Black history significance, the task force process, and the backing of Florida Memorial University and local leaders; one witness opposed the bill and urged a feasibility study and consideration of other sites. SB 1242 drew the most sustained debate, with supporters arguing many CRAs have outlived their purpose and opponents warning the bill would eliminate a valuable local economic development tool, harm affordable housing projects, and create uncertainty for phased developments and existing projects. SB 1002 also drew opposition testimony from advocates who warned of broad unintended consequences for municipal utilities and local energy choices, while the sponsor said the bill was intended to resolve a specific legal misunderstanding. Votes were taken on each measure, and all of the bills considered were reported favorably by the committee. The committee adopted the amendment to CS/SB 262, the strike-all amendment to SB 180, and the amendment to SB 1128 before final passage. Several senators requested to be recorded on specific tabs after the meeting, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• But yes, this went on for several... ...Representative Miles, thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• </c><00:16:17.759><c> several</c> This went on for several months.
• We seen a 15% tax put on my people back home through the co-op, and it wasn't the co-op's 15% tax; it
• </c> in this legislature we seen a 15% tax in this legislature we seen a 15% tax put<00:19:40.799><c>
• </c> co-op and it wasn't the co-op's 15% tax co-op and it wasn't the co-op's 15% tax it<00:19:46.320>

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first considered House Bill 88, which was described as a short bill to clarify procedures for Waste Management boards, including term limits, appointments, and making sure consolidated governments actively recruit community members and make openings easier to find. The sponsor said the bill was intended to resolve confusion about members staying on after terms expire. The bill received no opposition, passed the committee unanimously, and was reported favorably for the floor. The committee then took up House Bill 346, as amended by a committee substitute. The sponsor explained that the bill responds to a dispute over air emission fees, especially for emergency generators and backup generators used for worker safety and limited non-emergency testing. The bill would exempt emergency generators and backup generators operating 100 hours or less for maintenance/testing from fees, while also removing an existing 4,000-ton cap so the per-ton fee would drop for most permitted sources. Members discussed the possible impact on utilities and ratepayers, with concerns raised that costs could be passed through to consumers and affect coal-dependent areas. The sponsor and another member argued the change would generally reduce fees for most sources and incentivize emissions reductions; the cabinet was described as neutral, and the affected utilities were identified as TVA, LG&E, East Kentucky Power, and Big Rivers, with only TVA having raised comments. The committee substitute was adopted, and the bill passed the committee with a favorable recommendation, though one member voted no and several members explained yes votes while expressing ongoing concerns about future rate impacts. At the end of the meeting, members briefly discussed broader concerns about utility surcharges and the need to monitor the effects of legislation on ratepayers, but those comments were not part of the bill under consideration. The chair noted that future meetings may include more bills and could start earlier if needed, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are accountable to the voters of Kirk County because they pay taxes. taxes that support us, but we
• I am grateful that we have the ability to go up to that eight on the tax rate, but to tax our citizens
• We've got several of them.
• Judge Snell and I have talked several times.
• Burdell's got several. know Mr.

Committee: House Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select

Transcript Highlights:

• That's probably for the staff, but fertilizer pays into the hazardous materials tax.
• Staff, but fertilizer pays into the hazardous materials tax.
• However, we know that Congress has shortened the time frame for this tax credit.
• And we do that in several different ways at the department.
• We do pay, you know, normal taxes on things that might be able to go into that.

Summary: The committee heard public testimony on Senate Bill 5816, which would add juice grapes to Washington’s Agricultural Marketing and Fair Practices Act. Staff explained that the bill would allow juice grape producers to form an accredited association to negotiate with processors under the same timelines used for pears, and the prime sponsor said the measure was intended to help growers obtain fairer prices. A grape grower testified that Washington producers face a small number of buyers, little real negotiation, and prices far below New York’s, arguing the bill would give growers a way to bargain collectively. The public hearing closed with 47 people noted in support and one in opposition. The committee then heard Senate Bill 5971, which would create a green fertilizer incentive program for low-carbon nitrogen fertilizer production and use in Washington. Staff described the bill as directing WSDA to establish the program, adopt rules by 2028, and report to the Legislature, with costs shown in the fiscal note. The prime sponsor and several supporters, including Atlas Agro, a port representative, labor, NRDC, WSDA, the League of Women Voters, and the Washington State Potato Commission, said the bill could reduce greenhouse gas emissions, support local manufacturing and jobs, stabilize fertilizer supply and prices for farmers, and help Washington compete for federal clean hydrogen tax credits. WSDA said the program was implementable with consultation and that the Climate Commitment Act could be a funding source, though it noted rulemaking costs. The committee then held a work session on commercial shellfish fee assessments after the Department of Health adopted major fee increases for shellfish licensing and certification. Shellfish growers and association representatives said the increases—described as ranging from roughly 233% to 789% overall, with some individual licenses rising much more—would hit small and family farms hardest, could force closures, and were based on a fee structure they said is outdated and not tied well to production. DOH explained that the program has long relied on general fund support, that federal shellfish safety requirements must be maintained, and that the new fees are intended to move the program toward full cost recovery after years without increases. The department said it had used a phased approach, reopened rulemaking to look for a fairer structure, and would continue working with industry and the Legislature; no vote was taken during the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is it an income tax? Is it a sales tax? Is it a bigger property tax?
• Is it an income tax? Is it a sales tax? Is it a bigger property tax?
• Is it an income tax? Is it a sales tax?
• Do you want an income tax? Do you want a sales tax?
• Do you want an income tax? Do you want a sales tax?

Transcript Highlights:

• So existing property tax law already provides that the property tax base-year value of real property
• years, once by Senate Numerous times over the past several years, once by Senator Allen in 2025, by
• I think it's time for the Legislature to consider allowing the local land and tax use authorities make
• SB 888 simply extends that same principle to property tax relief for disabled veterans.
• SB 888 simply extends that same principle to property tax relief for disabled veterans.

Committee: Senate Revenue and Taxation

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and heard two main bills before taking up a consent calendar. SB 1053 by Senator Nilo would allow county boards of supervisors in counties affected by a governor-declared disaster on or after January 1, 2026, through January 1, 2031, to extend by up to three years the five-year period for transferring a property tax base-year value to replacement property. The author said the measure responds to recent wildfires and other disasters that make rebuilding within five years difficult, and committee members broadly supported local control and disaster recovery flexibility. No opposition was heard, and the bill was approved 5-0 and sent to Appropriations. The committee then heard SB 888 by Senator Seardo, as amended, which would exclude VA service-connected disability compensation from household income calculations for the low-income disabled veterans’ property tax exemption. The author argued that counting disability benefits as income creates a catch-22 for disabled veterans and can disqualify them from tax relief despite fixed incomes and high medical costs. Members described the bill as a common-sense, bipartisan fairness measure that would help veterans remain housed in California. No opposition was presented, and the bill passed 5-0 to the Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs. The committee also adopted the consent calendar, which included SB 999, SB 1073, and SB 881. After the consent items, SB 1053 was again called up and confirmed out of committee on a 5-0 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• The severe lack of court-employed court reporters represents a denial of due process and The severe lack
• These loan delinquencies can have severe consequences for the borrower, including wage garnishment, tax
• card companies to make a profit from those same taxes.
• The amendments were taken to excuse property taxes from the bill.
• I don't think that these fees should be applied to sales tax.

Committee: House Judiciary

Summary: The committee first heard AB 2, which would impose enhanced financial penalties on large social media companies when negligence proven in court causes harm to children and teens. The author and supporters, including Common Sense Media and education and child advocacy groups, argued that social media algorithms and design features amplify harmful content and that existing remedies are not enough to deter misconduct. Opponents from TechNet, CCIA, the Chamber of Commerce, EFF, and others warned the bill was vague, could chill content moderation and encryption, invite litigation, and be preempted by Section 230. Several members raised concerns about defining “harm,” but the bill passed on a roll call vote and was sent onward. The committee then took up AB 282, which would allow landlords and housing providers to establish preferences for tenants who use housing vouchers or other rental assistance, clarifying that such preferences are not unlawful source-of-income discrimination. Supporters from housing authorities, local governments, AARP, legal aid groups, and housing nonprofits said the bill would help voucher holders find units and improve voucher utilization. There was no opposition testimony, and the bill passed with a roll call vote and was sent to Appropriations. Next was AB 882, dealing with court reporter availability and the use of electronic recording in certain cases when an official court reporter is unavailable. The author and supporters, including court reporter and labor representatives, said the bill is a temporary, narrowly tailored response to a shortage while preserving accurate records. Opponents from consumer attorneys, defense counsel, the Judicial Council, and others argued the bill was too narrow, could harm access to justice, and should be expanded or revised. Members from both parties expressed mixed views but generally supported continuing the conversation; the bill passed and was placed on call. The committee also heard AB 325 on algorithmic price fixing, which would update antitrust law to address collusion through pricing software and digital tools. Supporters said the bill targets modern forms of cartel behavior and closes loopholes that let companies coordinate prices through algorithms. Opponents from the Chamber of Commerce, Civil Justice Association, TechNet, retailers, hospitals, and others argued the conduct is already illegal, the bill is overbroad, and its definitions and burden-shifting provisions need work. Members requested clarifications to key definitions and pleading standards, but the bill passed as amended and was placed on call. The committee then briefly heard AB 935, which would strengthen civil rights data collection and transparency, especially for educational settings; it had no opposition, passed, and was placed on call. Finally, AB 67 was presented to let the Attorney General enforce the Reproductive Privacy Act and seek penalties against local governments that interfere with abortion access. Supporters framed it as an enforcement tool to protect reproductive rights, while opponents from California Family Council and others denounced it as expanding state power to protect abortion access; the transcript cuts off during that item.

Transcript Highlights:

• portion of the sales tax portion of the sales tax um state sales tax on baby supplies, um state sales
• You may want to tell how much this additional tax break tax cut much this additional tax break tax cut
• off of taxes off of taxes off of everything?
• So, we need some taxes so that government can take care taxes so that government can take care taxes
• We do need some taxes. Thank some taxes. Thank some taxes. Thank you chair. Thanks the lady.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> accomplishments in several areas. accomplishments in several areas.
• Uh, and so we need to look at that R&D tax credit and then our angel investor tax credit.
• </c> tax credit and the angel investor uh tax tax credit and the angel investor uh tax credit<01:29:39.120
• </c> about the R&amp;D tax credits and the tax about the R&amp;D tax credits and the tax committee<01
• </c> committee because we are not the tax committee because we are not the tax committee,<01:30:45.760

Committee: Senate Jobs and Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:

• cost of that tax credit.
• , the enterprise tax, the tobacco tax, and the R...
• Enterprise tax, the tobacco tax, and the R... Oh, okay. I think this is because the governor...
• </c><05:42:32.680><c> if</c> tax sorry for just the business taxes if tax sorry for just the business
• We do currently tax the vape products. We tax open and closed systems differently.

Summary: The public hearing opened on HB 728-FN, which would authorize video lottery terminals at charity gaming facilities and repeal historic horse racing licensing. Representative Om explained that the bill would convert the current historic horse racing terminals into true video lottery terminals/slot machines and change the revenue split, reducing the operator share from 75% to 70% while increasing the state share from 25% to 30%. He also noted the bill would increase the amount going to charities and other state beneficiaries. Former State Rep. Pat Brammy, who had served on the Charitable Gaming Study Commission, testified in support of the bill’s basic structure. He said a consultant’s report found historic racing machines cost facilities 12% to 18% more to operate because of totalizer and track-related fees, and that slot machines would be cheaper because there are more manufacturers and more competition. He argued that although the operator share drops by 5%, facilities could still benefit from lower operating costs, and he said the commission concluded that moving to slot machines would increase revenues to facilities, charities, and the state. He also said the bill would create a more stable stream of funding for problem gambling, since the current HHR “breakage” funding mechanism is limited and dependent on a single vendor. Brammy also discussed the commission’s concerns about market concentration in HHR machines, saying the commission found the market was dominated by only a few manufacturers and recommended legislation to address that issue under Article 83 of the state constitution. He interpreted the bill as allowing a phase-in of slot machines upon passage, with the remaining HHR provisions phasing out by January 1, 2028, and said facilities would likely transition as leases expire. Committee members asked about HHR contracts, machine programming, testing, and whether removing HHR would reduce competition; Brammy said he believed leases were likely short-term, machines are tested by a lab, and the legislature could decide whether the change is appropriate. No vote or final action was taken at the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 7046 contains several provisions related to providing relief for your taxes imposed at the state,
• So I understand that it prevents a carbon tax; it creates a carbon tax prevention.
• kind of taxes.
• And gas taxes and no other kind of taxes.
• Again, it relates to taxes. There's a lot of tax policy that goes into the tax package.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and included several member introductions recognizing guests, interns, firefighters, and a doctor of the day. The chamber then moved to the special order calendar and began taking up a series of bills, often substituting House companions for Senate measures before final passage. The first major bill, health care patient protection, required hospitals with emergency departments to adopt pediatric emergency care policies, training, a pediatric emergency care coordinator, and readiness assessments; it passed 36-0. A public records bill protecting victim identities and temporarily exempting the name of a law enforcement officer who is a victim also passed after questions about access for victims of police misconduct, with a 33-4 vote. The Senate next approved a local government cybersecurity bill creating a state-administered program through Florida Digital Service to help counties and cities strengthen cyber defenses, with priority for rural and fiscally constrained governments; after amendments, it passed 37-0. A clerks of court bill allowing clerks to retain all revenue above projections and, through a House amendment, revising legal notice and traffic citation distribution provisions, passed 38-0 despite debate over impacts on municipalities and law enforcement. The chamber also passed a trademark modernization bill and a septic system permit bill intended to reduce delays for builders; the septic bill was amended to align the House and Senate versions and passed 38-0. The longest and most contested item was the elections bill, which updated citizenship verification procedures using REAL ID and state databases, changed candidate qualification rules, and altered election administration provisions. Numerous amendments were offered and rejected, including proposals to exempt certain seniors, preserve student and retirement-center IDs, allow attestations in place of documentary proof of citizenship, and require human review over automated systems. One amendment to delay implementation until July 1, 2027, was also debated. The transcript ends while debate is still underway on the elections measure, with no final vote shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's where you go and uh sick tax.
• </c> will, health taxes that go into there. will, health taxes that go into there.
• No different than we would offer a tax credit on our individual tax returns for something that we did
• </c> then then it comes back as a tax credit. then then it comes back as a tax credit.
• Those tax credits, or should say premium credits, that were as a result of advanced tax credits were

Bills: HF3388 , HF400

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy

Keywords: HF3388, Minnesota premium security plan, reinsurance, health insurance, group health carriers, MCHA, MNsure, individual market, premium stabilization, carrier assessment, health insurance assessment, premium security plan account, state innovation waiver, high-risk pool, reinsurance payments, healthcare premiums, insurance carriers, deferral of assessment, financially impaired condition, HF400

Transcript Highlights:

• As a former mayor myself, I had several chiefs that worked under me in my city.
• As a former mayor myself, I had several chiefs that worked under me in my city.
• It does not force the tax collector to have that oversight.
• behalf of the Honorable Darryo Fernandez, tax collector of Miami-Dade County.
• Gerardo Gomez, Miami-Dade County Office of the Tax Collector, waving in support.

Summary: The committee heard and advanced a large slate of bills, beginning with HB 1405, which would reestablish a pilot program at four state universities to screen people with special needs who are at risk of elopement and provide families with tracking devices. Members spoke in support, citing real-life incidents involving missing children and adults, and the bill passed 18-0. HB 4037, a Pasco County mosquito control cleanup bill, also passed unanimously, as did PCS for HB 639, which expands eligibility for an existing Fraternal Order of Police specialty license plate to all Floridians and adds nonprofit and financial reporting requirements for specialty plate organizations. HB 667, brought by Rep. Valdés with Freedom High School students through the Ought to Be a Law program, would raise the helmet requirement for electric personal assisted mobility devices from under 16 to under 18; the students testified about e-bike and e-scooter injuries and fatalities, and the bill passed 18-0. The committee also approved PCS for HB 975, which clarifies management and security authority for the Capitol Center and Complex, and HB 695, a public records exemption tied to a health care interstate compact, by a 17-1 vote. HB 181, expanding a pawnbroker transaction records exemption to FDLE, and HB 1087, making Florida Retirement System pension-plan member and payee information confidential, both passed unanimously. HB 1515, a public records exemption tied to a uterine fibroid research database, also passed unanimously after the sponsor explained the Department of Health had been unable to implement the database because of data-identification problems. A major portion of the meeting focused on HB 1283, which would allow anonymous complaints against law enforcement officers only when accompanied by corroborating evidence and would bar non-disciplinary investigative outcomes from being used in promotions and other personnel decisions. Police chiefs and sheriffs opposed the bill as amended, arguing the corroboration standard should include evidence developed by agencies and warning about personnel-management consequences, while law enforcement supporters said the bill protects officers from malicious complaints. Civil rights and advocacy groups opposed it, warning it would chill reporting and harm victims, especially in sexual misconduct cases. After extensive debate, the committee adopted an amendment to align the bill with the Senate companion and then passed HB 1283 18-0. The committee also passed HB 139, expanding whistleblower protections to adverse actions by individuals and placing investigations with the Florida Commission on Human Relations, and HB 953, which gives county tax collectors authority to partner with DHSMV in overseeing commercial driving schools and combating fraud; both passed unanimously. The meeting also included HB 627, which directs officers in the field to refer public records requesters to the proper custodian rather than processing requests during active incidents; despite opposition from protest and civil liberties advocates, it passed 18-0. Finally, the committee heard HB 1473, a public records exemption for portions of domestic-terrorism designation materials. Supporters said it was needed to protect sensitive security information, while opponents argued it was vague and could be used to hide executive decision-making and target protesters or Muslim communities. After an amendment and lengthy debate, the bill passed 13-4.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> tax years 2026. tax years 2026.
• are impacts to the Minnesota pass-through entity tax, or PTE tax.
• </c> pass through entity tax or PTE tax. pass through entity tax or PTE tax.
• So, you know, we continue to tax working people like we did in the last tax bill here, the last two tax
• child tax credit, it did. It increase child tax credit, it did.

Committee: Senate Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• It was not tied to a revenue stream, so sales tax or severance tax. It was from...
• taxes and FMRs.
• At the $50 million level, to split amongst the county and their several municipalities there.
• We revised early in my tenure in the association the sales and use tax local option approach.
• I know that this is kind of modeled after the sales tax vote, but is this the right way to go?

Committee: Joint Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• and business taxes and excise taxes.
• And they reversed the motor vehicle excise tax and repaid $25 million in motor vehicle excise tax fees
• And the tribe can tax its own people, but the tribe can also tax non-Indian folks that come here and
• The tax base of the county.
• They had 30% of their tax base was tax exempt. 30% of their tax base was tax exempt, and there were some

Summary: The committee met at Spirit Lake Tribe and first heard welcoming remarks and introductions from tribal leaders and program directors. Chairwoman Street and other tribal representatives outlined a range of concerns and requests for state action, including taxation of reservation lands, support for non-beneficiary students at the tribal school, homelessness funding, Indian-managed health care, gaming and e-tabs, Feather Alert improvements, industrial farming near waterways, tourism, and better state-tribal consultation. Committee members responded that the meeting was intended to improve understanding and communication, and several members suggested future legislation or resolutions could be used to advance some of the issues. The tribe also offered to provide training on treaties, IHS 638, and compact services to legislators and staff. A major portion of the discussion focused on Spirit Lake fish and wildlife jurisdiction and the lake boundary. Tribal representatives asked for an MOU or co-stewardship agreement with the state to clarify hunting and fishing rights, recognize tribal licenses, and reduce recurring disputes over “gray areas” on the reservation and lake. Committee members discussed whether to draft a bill or resolution directing the executive branch and state agencies to negotiate such an agreement, and asked that North Dakota Game and Fish be invited to a future meeting. Related concerns included aquatic nuisance species prevention, with both sides agreeing that more aggressive boat inspection and cleaning measures would be beneficial. The committee also discussed taxation and county relations. Tribal leaders raised concerns about county resistance to fee-to-trust transfers and about property and vehicle taxation affecting members living on or near reservation lands. Committee members and tribal counsel reviewed federal treaty principles and court cases, and one member noted that the committee had previously taken no formal action on similar issues. Later, Benson County’s tax equalization director explained how the county values taxable land, handles inundated land applications, and tracks land coming off the tax rolls when the tribe repurchases acreage. The discussion ended with a presentation from the president of Sisseton Wahpeton College, who described the college’s programs, economic impact, and funding needs, followed by an HHS presentation on 1115 Medicaid waivers and the IMD exclusion as the committee moved to its next topic.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:50:05.199><c> on</c> if we had regular sales and use tax on if we had regular sales and use tax
• </c> corporations don't get Triple taxed corporations don't get Triple taxed which<01:50:27.480><c> okay
• pay taxes for their airplane Airlines pay taxes for their airplane Parts<01:50:36.960><c> before</c><
• </c> the private sector to generate the tax the private sector to generate the tax revenues<01:53:12.280
• </c> business they figured with their tax business they figured with their tax accountant<01:53:51.199

Committees: Senate Health and Human Services , Senate Human Services